Who We Are
The First Tee of Greater Knoxville is a nonprofit organization that specializes in introducing and teaching the game of golf to underprivileged children and teens in the Greater Knoxville area. Starting at the age of seven, participants are able to come to one of seven golf courses in the area, learn the basics of the game early on, and improve their game with instruction from coaches. However, the participants are not just taught more about the game of golf. Participants in The First Tee program are also taught valuable lessons that include maintaining a positive attitude, learning effective problem solving, how to set and achieve goals, and how to translate these skills to their everyday lives.
What We Need
The goal of this campaign is to raise at least $1,000 so that we can reach out to more children and teens, and give them the same opportunity that has been given to so many already. In the next three years, The First Tee is planning on expanding into nine new counties, to better reach out to thousands of “at risk” young people in the area. By the end of 2013, The First Tee hopes to be able to positively influence the behavior of young people by mentoring, coaching, volunteering, and financially investing in the lives of over 12,000 children and teens. However, we do need help from everyone. With your help, operating costs are more easily met, more children and teens are able to be sponsored, and it will become less difficult to expand our territory. If you do contribute to The First Tee, you can receive anything from a personalized thank you on Twitter to a full adult membership to the Wee Course at Williams Creek.
How It Helps
Recently, an independent, four-year study led by The University of Minnesota’s Maureen R. Weiss, Ph.D. confirmed The First Tee’s ability to positively impact the participants’ lives by teaching life skills and The First Tee Nine Core ValuesTM to those participating in the Life Skills Experience. During this research, The First Tee retained 73% of participants from year one to year four. This is an outstanding percentage when compared to an approximately 50% dropout rate per year in other youth programs. Of those who are no longer with The First Tee, 57% are still actively involved in the game of golf and 55% are actively involved in another sport. At the end of the study, over 70% of parents and guardians of the participants reported dramatically improved communication skills, confidence, and responsibility. Over 60% of parents reported improved social skills and more than 50% reported improved grades. As you can see, The First Tee improves the lives of youth both on and off the course.
In order to continue to reach out to children and teens in the Knoxville area, and to expand to other areas, we need your help. Monetary contributions to this campaign will help The First Tee purchase new equipment for participants to use, including new golf balls, clubs, and practice supplies.
Other Ways To Help
Contributing financially is not the only way to make a difference. You can still help by spreading the word about this campaign to your family and friends by sharing on Facebook, Twitter, and even here on Indiegogo. You can also volunteer by being a coach or a mentor at any one of our locations in the Greater Knoxville area. Any help at all will encourage “at risk” teens become responsible members of society, and will be greatly appreciated.